Supervisors to hear public comment tonight about land development ordinance

Smithfield Township supervisors will take public comment tonight on a 158-page revision of the township subdivision and land development ordinance.

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Posted Sep. 25, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Posted Sep. 25, 2012 at 12:01 AM

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Smithfield Township supervisors will take public comment tonight on a 158-page revision of the township subdivision and land development ordinance.

Though revisions have been in the works for four years, nearly all changes are minor and aimed at clarifying development requirements, Supervisor Brian Barrett said.

This includes adding setbacks from streams and other stormwater provisions to minimize soil erosion and protect water quality, he said. Other provisions formally state the role of the new Smithfield Sewer Authority, a quasi-independent agency, and eliminate inconsistencies within the document.

"There's really nothing that's a major change," Barrett said. "We're going to ask for a bit more information. It's going to be a bit more specific, not necessarily a lot more detail."

Landscaping, vegetation and tree protection requirements are included along with provisions for open space, recreation and dedication of land to common space. Developers will have to file as-built plans after construction and some provisions more clearly state when and how they must post financial security to guarantee completion of project infrastructure.

Supervisors are expected to vote on the revised

ordinance immediately following the hearing, during the meeting that starts at